Olympic Day: Former Olympic swimmer Rehan Poncha now mentors a new generation of swimmers

He is quintessential, he is passionate and he believes in giving whatever he has got back to the sport to which he dedicated almost two decades of his life.

Thats why Rehan Poncha, the 30-year-old former swimmer who represented India at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, is now eagerly nurturing young swimmers, helping them explore their talent and mentoring them for a brighter future. He wants the kids to dream big, make short term goals and move in a positive direction.

On the eve of Olympic day, Poncha, a five-time Indian swimming champion, explains his motto: "An athlete must have three important qualities: a strong work ethic, resilience and real love for the sport."

It is not easy. Swimming is not a pocket friendly sport. But Poncha firmly believes that investments will come.

He is happy that kids nowadays are taking to the sport.

“There are a huge number of youngsters who want to join the sport and compete professionally. Unlike my times, nowadays there are better facilities, coaches and nutritionists to guide them,” he said.

And he is proud of what his students have achieved. "There are nine kids from my team who have qualified for nationals this year,” he said.

While Poncha - who retired from competition four years ago - is happy to mentor youngsters, he reveals that he still dreams of representing India at the world stage - but not in the pool.

"I had taken a three months' break from swimming and started playing Golf. But knowing the competitive person I am, I took it professionally. I train in Dubai and Malaysia and am aiming for the Olympics," he said.

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